a day in the life

On the 9th day {Before} Christmas

Today was a very, very busy day. Last minute gift preparing, snow watching, birthday party, errands, rehearsal for my Christmas concert tomorrow, FIRST LOST TOOTH, and ending with my annual wrapping party. So while what we did doesn't actually have anything to do with this photo, I just had to get a picture of our new house-all decked out in snow and lights. And Pinterest inspired wreaths and tomato cage Christmas trees. Now I really can't wait to get that front door painted red. It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas :)

Oh and just in case you thought I forgot, the new smile :)
She was VEEEEEEEERY excited!

On the 10th day {Before} Christmas

Tonight we wrote letters to Santa...here is what they said.

Lillian's (written by herself)
Dear Santa, if I could have 5 wishes it would be a Vidia, Fawn, a Incredibles coloring book, a Wild Kratts coloring book and a Muppet coloring Book.
love, Lillian

(would you believe Santa is having problems finding any of those coloring books? I believe he may have to make them from scratch...

Charlie (he told me what to write)
Dear Santa,
I hope you be good, and you fly. You are going to bring presents. I love you. I want a batman castle/batman cave and Annie & Clarabell. I listen to you. You bring a teddy bear and a present. The teddy bear flies with you and you bring reindeer.
love, Charlie

Jack (I'm sure this is what he was trying to say)
Dear Santa,
I'm not really sure what all this Christmas stuff is about, but I do know I love looking at lights. I pointed for the first time ever in Lowe's looking at all the lights and Santas. My Mama thinks it would be fun to have another baby walk on Christmas Day, but I think I am happy with my hoppy crawl. I really like to throw around a ball-it was my very first word (besides Mamamamamama.) For Christmas I think I should be allowed to have a cookie. I am almost a year after all. So could you talk to Mama about that? Thanks, Santa.
love, Jack

On the 11th day {Before} Christmas

Tonight we went out for a little light seeing-have to say I miss how absolutely beautiful Chambersburg's downtown was during Christmas, but Cassie made up for it by telling about this amazing light display. Set your radio station and the lights danced along to the music. It was hard to get a good photo of just how cool it was, but I believe we were all completely wowed. It was very, very cool.

On the 12th day {Before} Christmas

It is hard to not think back to what was going on last year at this exact time-waiting for Bean. For our family to be complete. Things sure are different this year, and yet very much the same. Tonight of course, was Christmas Jammies night. I am hoping for a very magical Christmas.

Christmas Day

Sadly this year I have no Christmas Day photo. I barely have any Christmas Day memories at all. Sometime after Santa left our house and flew on to his next destination, I woke up sick. Very, very, very, sick with the stomach flu. It is horrible any time, but I have to say extra horrible when you are nine months pregnant. I was so sad to miss out on seeing the looks Lily and Charlie had opening presents. We actually had to stop in the middle because I had to leave to sleep. I remember Charlie really "getting" it and being thrilled with having Stinky (from Mor Mor) in his HOUSE, and Lily being thrilled with her Iradessa (from Santa) and Lemon Meringue (from Charlie.) I apparently smiled four times-one being for the Madonna CD I have received every year for the last ten years (but never opened...it is now a long standing joke) and this year was given to me by my parents. My one request was to not miss Christmas. To not be in the hospital. I guess I should have been more specific.

'Twas the Night {Before} Christmas

All I kept thinking this year is come next year, there will be three kids sitting on Daddy's lap.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

On the 3rd day {before} Christmas

Mama was very excited about movie night tonight because we watched one of her favorites. Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. Long ago I diligently saved my Pampers points and earned a free copy of my favorite childhood movie...which about a year later got snapped in half by a certain curious toddler. Finally this year I replaced it. Lily thought it was very curious that everyone looked so much younger (including Cookie-hee hee) and I was very happy to see Mr. Hooper again. Brings back such wonderful memories of my childhood. 

On the 4th day {before} Christmas

In the 12 days of Christmas album, this will be our Christmas card photo and normally I would share a cute extra photo from the Christmas photo shoot...but, that never actually happened this year. So here they are, right before seeing Santa.
(Just wait another month Bapa and the bangs will be out of her face...)

On the 5th day {before} Christmas

Tonight we had our hot chocolate night and I was so excited to realize that the cup that was a favor at Gracie's fifth birthday party would actually be perfect for Lily's cup. Somehow Lily has turned out like Daddy and doesn't love and slurp up hot chocolate like Mama and Charlie, but the marshmellows were a big hit...
Meanwhile (yes, Lily used meanwhile in her show) three wonderful puppet shows were performed by Lily, Charlie, and Daddy. I love my creative, funny little family.

On the 6th day {before} Christmas

Tonight we went out to look for Christmas lights-in pajamas and slippers which was just as big as a treat as anything. The moon was full and bright, but we didn't really see that many lights except for our beautifully decorated downtown and Rudolf the Red Nosed Uga. Uga is a clydesdale that Lily named soon after moving to PA. We always say hi to her every time we pass-every time. This is the first year she has been decked out like Rudolf and it is of great excitement for the Taylor family to see her that way. She (like beer lamps before her...long story) has become a part of our family history. We will be sad if the time comes we don't see her every day but for now, we are happy with our Red Nosed Uga.
Sadly this is the most in focus picture I could get-after a trip to the hospital on Sunday night they decided to give me medicine to stop the contractions since I was "only" 36 weeks. I was still shaking (the main side effect) on Monday night. Perhaps I will try again later...